Bible Study

Title: Motivation for Service
Date: Apr 5, 2011
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood, Obedience/Discipleship
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 2 John 1:7-9, Matthew 10:42, Matthew 16:27, Philippians 3:13-14, Matthew 25:21, Matthew 6:1

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A loaded station wagon pulled into the only remaining campsite. Four youngsters leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up a tent. The boys then rushed off to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils. A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters' father: "That, sir, is some display of teamwork."

The father replied, "Well, I have a system. No one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up."

There are many ways to motivate people; the one God uses is rewards.

What Does God Say?

The Lord Jesus Himself lists rewards as a motivation for service (Matthew 6:1, 10:42, 16:27). But how can you serve in such a way that you will be eligible for rewards? Here are three ways:

Diligence: "Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked so hard to achieve. Be diligent so that you receive your full reward" (2 John 1:8, NLT).

Read 2 John 1:7-9 and answer the following questions:

1. Who are the "deceivers" and what are they teaching?
2. What do those who remain faithful to the teachings about Christ possess?
3. How are we to treat those who hold false teachings?

Dedication: "No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us" (Philippians 3:13-14, NLT).

1. Why is it important to focus your energies on the future?
2. What is Paul working for?
3. Through whom does God call us to heaven?

Determination: "That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18, NLT).

1. What part of you is being renewed every day?
2. How does it encourage you to know that your troubles today are temporary and short-lived compared to eternity?
3. What do today's problems produce?
4. How successful are you at "fixing your gaze on things that cannot be seen"?

My Thoughts

Every Christian should hope to someday hear Jesus personally say to him or her, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21, NLT). The greatest reward of all is to know that you have pleased your Lord and Master. But that can't be won lightly. Determine today that you will strive with all your might to be one of those who will be received with such a commendation.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV).

My Part

What is your strongest motivation for service to the Lord? Identify what motivates you, and then ask the Lord for sensitivity, opportunity and strength for service for Him--our Lord and our God.

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